The book of James is becoming one of my favorites. On the surface, this 3-or-4-paged book-- for lack of a better word-- seems to be a small contribution to the bible; however, I emphatically disagree. As I was reading earlier, It occurred to me just how efficient, yet powerful, James had been with communicating--with just 5 short chapters, James was able to deliver a word from God that would continue to impact the lives of millions for generations. Surely, James was not the prolific writer as was Paul, by whom most of the New Testament was written; however, I do believe James' ministry was just as important as Paul's.

Many times, we as Christians compare ministries. Sometimes we're so concerned with keeping up with the next person's ministry, that we lose focus of the ministry God has given us--I too am guilty of this. However we must be kingdom minded and not carnal minded. Stop comparing the tools that God has given you to the tools He has given someone else, for as James said "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father..." (James 1:17).

You are significant. You have purpose. Discover yourself in Christ. God loves you.

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the otherSo that man can find out nothing that will come after him." (Ecclesiastes 7:14 New King James Version)

I find my self often saying in my prayers Lord, I receive your blessings and also your chastening -- the rewards of being a Christian as well as the difficulties thereof. This is important because each together, in proportion, is the whole Love of God.

However, it takes a mature Christian to not only recognize this concept as true, but to also exercise it in his or her walk with Christ. I truly believe that you cannot chose to know Jesus solely "in the power of his Resurrection" without getting know Him "In the fellowship of His suffering", for God is whole and requires you to experience His love in whole (see Philippians 3:7-11).So when was the last time you thanked Jesus for pain and sorrow? or for which hurt have you rendered Jesus a wholehearted praise? Consider what the bible says. "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." (Ecclesiastes 7:3). So when you experience heartache, realize that you're in the process of becoming a better you -- be thankful. God bless you,

"Don't think you're a ninja- there's only 2 thing you could possibly be doing under that desk. You're either braiding your leg hair or texting." - Professor Amidon

Needless to say, I'm excited about this semester. Yesterday was my first day back on the college campus and--I must say--it's good to be back! As we've already discussed, the tail-end of summer drug on a tad bit too long for my likings and I was beginning to grow weary -- school came just in the nick of time.

So as I listened to my professor jest about what is expected of us during the course of the semester, I felt a sense of purpose being restored within me. Ah, finally! Responsibility! Accountability! How could I be so excited to take on more work and, consequently, more stress? Truthfully, there is nothing more gratifying than being productive. I believe this is true solely because it is the will of God for us to be proactive in life.

As Ephesians 5:15-17 says, God expects us to:

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

Your time is valuable -- spend it wisely. Set aside less time for trivial, unfruitful habits and more time for discovering the will of God in your life.